The tragic loss of two young siblings, Roman and Darcie Keeling, has shocked the community after they were killed in a suspected hit-and-run incident as they crossed a road near their home. Roman, aged 16, and Darcie, aged nine, were described by their mother, Emma Keeling, as her “beautiful babies” in a heartbreaking Facebook post following the incident in Pistea, Essex, on a Saturday evening.
Despite efforts from emergency services, the teenage boy and his younger sister could not be saved. Local reports suggested that they were on an electric scooter when the tragedy occurred. Emma expressed her gratitude to the first responders and the community for their support during this difficult time as she mourned the loss of her children.
The siblings’ father, Alec Casselden, also shared his grief on social media, declaring his love for Roman and Darcie. The family, along with relatives and friends, visited the scene of the accident to pay their respects and leave flowers in memory of the young victims. The pain of their sudden and tragic deaths has left the family and the community numb.
Authorities confirmed that a car involved in the incident fled the scene and was later found abandoned nearby. Essex Police arrested a man and a woman on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and failing to stop at the scene of the accident. Witnesses described the incident as one of the worst things they had ever seen, with Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper acknowledging the unimaginable pain the family is enduring.
In response to the heartbreaking loss, members of the community, including children, left floral tributes at the site of the accident, offering their condolences and support. A GoFundMe page was set up by friends to assist the family with funeral expenses and other needs, raising over £2,920 from donations within a short period.
The tragic and senseless death of Roman and Darcie Keeling serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating impact of hit-and-run incidents on families and communities. Their lives were cut short, leaving behind a grieving family and friends who will forever cherish their memory.